With one of the most famous football rivalry worldwide, we would all agree that the French and Italians aren’t exactly the best of pals. That is already excluding the constant debate on who has the better wine.
So, what do you get when you throw a Frenchman and an Italian, in a tannery in Santa Croce, Tuscany?
Apparently, a heated discussion on women’s shoes leading to the birth of the rebellious footwear brand, ASH.
Based in New York, this cult brand is the brain child of Leonello Calvani and Patrick Ilhtier. With their combined expertise in French luxury design and Italian leathers and craftsmanship, they have created a footwear brand that the fashion conscious cannot get their hands off – for more than a decade, if I must add.
This year, their Spring/Summer collection sees a dynamic review of their already popular classics; from espadrilles, sandals to their renowned Thelmas. The designs featured various shades, metallic details and, even, a gold treatment for some. One thing for sure, is that they all carry the common thread of glamour, edginess and originality – the very definition of the ASH woman.
I love that ASH speaks to its “fans”. It understands and embraces the varied and ever-changing personalities of their clientele – self-confident, cheerful with a strong attitude ready to take on the world. Take their espadrilles for example. The traditional canvas/rope gives it a casual feel, yet the studded, pierced and animalier print makes it FRIECE (you are on the right track if you read that in Tyra Bank’s ANTM voice). The balance between these two elements makes the best accompaniment to any outfit, while bringing it up a notch effortlessly.
Just because your style is girly and sweet, does not mean you cannot take on a little bit of edge. Still keeping to the floral styles typical of Spring/Summer, ASH has kept it monochrome, but textured and topped with just the right amount of studs on their platforms – instant rocker-chic transformation.
Not staying complacent in their success, the Sports Line continues to push further with technical details for a sophisticated and polished mood. Keeping to their black and white optical, they turn it up a notch with iridescent trims and a luxurious emboss. Doesn’t the Atomic White just look absolutely divine? Any outfit could look pulled together when I slip on a pair of those.
Even the monochrome classic Thelma is getting a new update with vibrant Peach colour update and a Silver Mesh design that is just perfect for the season!
Spring/Summer staples like sandals and sling bags that bring about a gypsy, ethnic and rock-and-roll vibe are sure to be a hit among music festival crowds. Too bad that the Laneway Music Festival was just over!
The brand prides itself in catering to a wide audience; from the mature and classy woman, the bold rocker chick, to even the youngest of fashionistas. Without surprise, they are launching even more designs for that precious one in the family. Taking some of the sought after designs in the adult footwear collection, they ensure the kids look and feel just as good as their mummy and daddies (yes, they do have a menswear collection).
ASH has always been for the fashion forward; the ones setting the trend rather than following. This cult brand has taken what is already popular, and merge it with the newest trends to create a stylistic yet unique contemporary footwear. Using contrasting materials in unusual combinations, it is not limited to a particular style. Whether you be into glamour, edgy or just want to stand out (and up to 2 inches high) from the crowd, the new ASH Spring/Summer 2015 collection is all you need to fill up your shoe closet this season.
The ASH S/S15 Collection is now available at the ASH Singapore Store at Ngee Ann City #03-02A.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
